Key facts at a glance
- Blizzard confirms World of Warcraft: Forever launches worldwide on November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST.
- The story is set after Warcraft III Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom and before Molten Core, with a level cap of 60.
- Launch brings more than 1,000 new quests, four new zones, nine new dungeons and the new Skyborne race.
- The three raids, Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit and Onyxia's Lair, open on December 9, 2026.
- Access requires an active WoW subscription or Game Time.
New zones from level 1 to 60
WoW: Forever expands the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor with four new destinations. Mount Hyjal explores the aftermath of Archimonde's defeat and Darkwhisper Gorge. Shen'dralas sits between Mulgore and Desolace and ties a hidden mystery to the Shen'dralar, Eldre'Thalas and Dire Maul. The Riverglades add more than 150 quests for roughly the mid-30s to mid-40s, and Zephras Isle is the Skyborne starting zone for levels 1 to 12. Every area is listed on our zones page.
Skyborne and new class combinations
The Skyborne, also called the shen'dorei, join either the Horde or the Alliance at character creation. Horde-aligned Windshapers can become Shaman, while Alliance-aligned High-Order Skyborne can become Mages. Playing the race requires the Skyborne Heroic Pack or higher. Other new combinations are Orc Mage, Troll Warlock, Undead Paladin, Human Hunter, Gnome Priest and Dwarf Shaman.
Systems, dungeons and PvP at launch
Launch includes the Classic and Enhanced experience presets, rulesets instead of realms, two-part character names, the Camping system and the account-wide Legacy System. Nine new dungeons cover levels 13 to 60, and the new Darkspear Islands battleground pits 15 against 15. New players can start with our starter guide.
FAQ
When does WoW: Forever launch?
WoW: Forever launches worldwide on November 4, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PST.
Do you need a subscription for WoW: Forever?
Yes, access is included with an active World of Warcraft subscription or Game Time. The Skyborne race additionally requires the Heroic Pack or higher.
When do WoW: Forever raids open?
Barrow Deeps, Hyjal Summit and Onyxia's Lair open on December 9, 2026 for level 60 players.
When is Hardcore coming to WoW: Forever?
The Hardcore ruleset arrives some time after launch; Blizzard has not given a date yet.
Sources: Blizzard: World of Warcraft: Forever Goes Live Globally November 4! (October 29, 2026). As of October 30, 2026.
